It is very hard to know If a product is ethnically made as there are no official guidelines when it comes to calling a product ethnically made. There are no official certifications or auditing systems and no official definition for the term “ethically made’. Does this then mean that many consumers are making purchases thinking they are buying ethically made products that are not?

So what can we do as consumers to ensure we are buying ethically?

The main thing we can do and easily with the help of google is have a dig around into the companies your buying from, below are some guidelines.

The ethical trading initiative has outlined ethical codes of practise, founded on the conventions of the international labour convention.

Employment is freely chosen: This means no forced, bonded or involuntary prison labour.

Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining:

Employer can not intervene with or prevent workers from foaming or owning unions.

Working conditions are safe and hygienic: Regular safety training, access to clean toilet facilities plus portable water. Accommodation for workers to be clean, safe and meeting basic needs of worker, work environment to be safe and hygienic with steps to reduce hazard taken.

No child labour: No new child labour. Companies must create polices and programme to provide for the transition of any current child labourers into an education program.

Living wages are paid: Wage deductions as a disciplinary measure are not allowed. Wages and benefits meet at minimum, national legislation, or industry bench marks. Information regarding pay periods and wages must be provided.

Working hours not excessive: Total hours worked in 7 days not to exceed 60 hours, unless voluntary paid over time or otherwise negational by workers organisations. Working hours must comply with national law.

No discrimination: No discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination, or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, union membership, political affiliation or sexual orientation.

Regular employment: Work performed must be on the basis of recognised employment relationship established through national law and practice.

No harsh or inhumane treatment: No physical abuse or discipline, nor the threat of physical, sexual, verbal or other harassment is allowed.

So, If your not sure a product is ethically made I would suggest look to see if the company making the product meets these guidelines.

Does anyone else have another ways of making sure they are buying truly ethically made products, I would love to hear from you.

#ethicallymade

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The days are now long gone when choosing toxic free/earth friendly beauty products means sacrificing effectiveness or curbing appeal. Plant-based beauty products don’t just compete with the rest of the market—they are demanded by the masses and are often even more effective, thanks to super food ingredients that do wonders for our complexions, as well as fewer chemicals, which can be drying and cause wear on skin.

But now that toxic free beauty is hotter than ever, it’s important to be wary of products that appear to be good for the planet but actually aren’t. For example, did you know that the term “natural” is completely unregulated by the Medicines & Healthcare Regulatory Agency(MHRA) U.K. and the Food & Drugs Administration(FDA) U.S.A.? Any company can use the word ‘natural’ on a label, even if the product in question is full of synthetic chemicals—think about ingredients like petroleum, while potentially harmful, are technically natural. While the term isn’t regulated at all, not all products with the word “natural” on their labels are frauds. Here at Bristolmade we stick to only using the ingredients we know to be truly ‘100% natural’ after educating myself on the contents of my old beauty products. Your best bet is to start checking the ingredients listed on your products, remembering that they’re listed from highest percentage to lowest.

Your quest for toxic free/green living can be confusing at times, the scientific names of some naturally occurring ingredients might sound synthetic. Sodium chloride is plain old sea salt, for example, and citric acid is a compound found in lemons and other citrus fruits. With a little research, time and practice you will get the hang it, I did & I am now 100% sure of what is truly 100% natural.

I would love to hear how you have found your journey to toxic free/green skincare, all tips gratefully received.

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Supporting cruelty free companies sends a message to the whole industry that they will only get business & subsequently money when the unnecessary animal testing stops.

Your skin is the largest organ, absorbs 60% of the things you put on it so why would I want to treat my skin to ingredients that would require animal testing. Something your putting on your skin shouldn’t need testing if the ingredients are 100% natural?

You can start by being a conscientious shopper, know what you are buying, take time to look at labels. If you want to check on a company’s cruelty-free status, check animal rights websites for a list of approved companies. Use your money to vote for cruelty-free products, as I said above we have this power. After learning the secret horrors behind some cosmetics, you may want to take a more active stance. Sign online petitions or write your own letters to the powers-that-be to have laws changed.

Decide what choices you are comfortable making, and don’t be too hard on yourself. No one can be 100% vegan 100% of the time. Although we may choose to only purchase cruelty-free or vegan items we can’t completely remove ourselves from all animal by products. Buy cruelty-free cosmetics to save an animal, to save your skin, to save your conscience, or to save yourself from the lipstick-wearing bunny with bloodshot eyes coming at you with its big nasty teeth. It doesn’t matter what your reasons are, just do the right thing.

You can start doing your bit by simply sharing this blog with your friends and family. It won’t take you more than a few seconds and you will help spread a compassionate message.

I would love to hear if your buying trends have changed recently due to awareness or if your thinking of making the move to more cruelty free buying?

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It has been a long journey perfecting my body balm with numerous recipes tried, tweaked & failed to finally settle on my perfect recipe. I love feeding my skin with all the natural, vegan & cruelty free ingredients & the added essential oil leaves a subtle lemon fragrance that is clean & fresh. Cocoa butter & shea butter nourish my skin without leaving it oily. Vitamin E oil with its anti oxidant properties & anti inflammatory benefits is the jewel in the crown of my recipe. Vitamin E is also the natural preservative in my product which means there is no need for other chemical preservatives, something I feel very strongly about. My skin & yours is our largest organ, I want to look after & feed it only goodness.

What are you using on your skin & what ingredients do you rate?

Lisa xx

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It’s an inexpensive chemical detergent called sodium lauryl sulfate that’s added to give the unnecessary lathering experience so many people expect from their shampoo, body wash or soap etc. But do you know it’s not cleaning you it’s added purely to satisfy consumer demand?

I’ll abbreviate sodium lauryl sulfate to SLS from here. So do you know what it can do to your body?
Studies indicate that using SLS on the bodies largest organ, your skin, can leave residue on your heart, lungs and brain. This means some of it never leaves the body causing a build up of cancer causing chemicals inside you.

SLS is one of the most worrying ingredients you will find harbouring in beauty products. People absorb SLS with its cancer causing impurities (even though it’s allowed to be labelled ‘natural’ on packaging) into their body and then wash them down the drain.

Did you know the above, any thoughts?

Lisa xx

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Today I have vigorously blended lavender to create a workable ingredient for my sugar scrub, my kitchen smells beautiful with the aroma of one of my most favourite perfumes. I’m feeling super relaxed too.